David Lordkipanidze discusses the discovery of one of the world's most important archeological sites, and the challenge of changing humanity's view of it's origins.

Prof. David Lordkipanidze is the first General Director of the Georgian National Museum founded in 2004, which unified 10 major museums in Georgia and 2 research institutes. Under his leadership, the Museum has gradually been transformed from a Soviet-type institution into a vibrant space for culture, education and science. Most recently, Lordkipanidze was involved in the discovery of ancient hominid remains in Dmanisi.

Scientist dicovered a tooth of a Plio-Pleistocene rhinoceros in the medieval pits of the Dmanisi town, demonstrating that the medieval site of Dmanisi covers the secrets of the early Pleistocene.

First stone tools, indicating that Dmanisi is one of the oldest places of human occupation.

Discovery of the first hominin remain in Dmanisi: the mandible D211 which reopened the debate about to the first human dispersal out of Africa.

Recovery of the two hominin crania – D2280, D2282. These finds demonstrate that Dmanisi hominins are the oldest humans outside of Africa.

Discovery of the mandible D2600, that raised the possibility of two different species at Dmanisi at the same time, as this mandible is unusally large.The mandible D2600 was found just above the Masavera basalt.

Absolute dating. Uneroded basaltic lava under site is securely dated to 1.85 million years ago.

Discovery of the toothless hominin cranium, D3444, making a perfect fit with the toothless mandible. Its condition suggests it could only eat soft plants and animal foods with the help of other individuals.

The first stone tool cutmarks were found on animal bones, revealing the meat-eating in Dmanisi hominins.

Discovery of the toothless hominin mandible, D3900.

Publication of the postcranial remains of four individuals, partly associated with crania found earlier. Published in Nature.

Publication of the Skull5 in Science. Changing the perspectives on human evolutionary history.